CERC Public Seminar: 'Language Policy in Europe'

Thursday 11 Oct, 1:00-2:00pm
at Room 322, Level 3, 234 Queensberry Street, The University of Melbourne

presented by

A/Prof Jacomine Nortier

(Institute of Dutch Language & Culture, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht Institute of Linguistics)

Download audio mp3 (approx 13MB)

Abstract

In this presentation I will sketch the official state of linguistic European affairs as it is seen from the side of Brussels. On the other hand, I will show how extremely complex the linguistic situation is when real-life language use is considered as well. There are not only 23 official languages but there is also a much larger group of indigenous and imported (minority) languages. I will sketch the history and background of European language policy, based on Abram de Swaan: World of Words, and for the other perspective I will make use of Guus Extra & Durk Gorter's book with the self-evident title The Other Languages of Europe.